Police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other emergency responders put themselves at risk of workplace injury or illness because of the dangerous nature of their jobs. Their jobs involve physical exertion and stress. If you sustain an injury on the job, the first thing to do is to notify your employer, get medical care, and take legal steps to obtain all the benefits.
A legal counsel can review your case and narrow down the best steps to take. Officers who are injured in the line of duty are entitled to compensation that covers medical expenses and lost wages. If you or your loved one is a police officer injured on the job, consult police attorneys in Santa Rosa, California, or elsewhere for legal advice and proceed with vital resources.
Common Injuries Suffered on the Job
Emergency response work may involve exposure to potential health hazards, mental strain, and fatigue. Below are common types of work-related injuries suffered.
Police Officers
Police officers and sheriff deputies are on the frontline and suffer from occupational injuries. Leading causes of injury among law enforcement officers include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Homicide
- Pedestrian vehicle incidents
- Accidental shootings
- Violence
- Overexertion
- Falls, slips, and trips
- Exposure to harmful substances
- Impact with objects or equipment
- Fires and explosions
- Fractures
Firefighters
Their duties include fire prevention, hazardous material response, disaster assistance, search, and rescue. Injuries among firefighters are primarily due to:
- Fires and explosions
- Smoke inhalation
- Motor vehicle
- Violence by people or animal attacks
- Exposure to harmful substances
- Falls
- Overexertion
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Personnel
EMTs and paramedics have high-stress jobs and an increased rate of injuries and illnesses. They are likely to be exposed to infectious diseases and fatal injuries, which include:
- Fires
- Motor vehicle, pedestrian, and aircraft accidents
- Violence
- Exposure to hazardous elements
- Falls, trips, and slips
- Broken bones
- Back injury/pain
- Nerve damage
Legal Options Available for Injured Officers
Police officers and EMTs know they are at stake of on-the-job injuries, but it is hard to prepare for all consequences when a devastating workplace accident occurs. While nothing can make up for the pain of injury or loss of a loved one, the law ensures that injured personnel will receive proper medical care and assistance.
He or she has the right to claim worker’s compensation benefits. You can speak to a worker’s comp attorney to make a claim based on being exposed to dangerous chemicals or repetitive stress injury. Negligence isn’t a factor in such cases. An employee hurt on the job needs to give relevant evidence to prove injuries are work-related to receive maximum compensation.
Worker’s comp benefits cover 100% reimbursement of medical bills and other costs for treating work-related injuries. This includes emergency care, hospitalization, outpatient treatment, and physical, occupational, and vocational rehabilitation. Disability benefits for total and partial disabilities provide income to cover lost wages if you are unable to work for a long period.
Worker’s comp also provides surviving dependents with a death benefit in the event that an EMT personnel was killed on the job. You may be able to cover compensation through a personal injury lawsuit or industrial disability retirement (IDR).
Disability Attorney Can Help
A disability benefits lawyer in Santa Rosa, California can help you understand the legal options available to you for seeking compensation. They will stand up for your interest in settlement negotiations and appeals hearing or at trial to obtain the benefits you are promised under the law.
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